The latter tool has long been a headache for casual users who have broken their systems by running it unaware of its intentions. It was this ‘danger’ posed that formed part of the reasoning behind its removal.

Computer Janitor: marked for removal

LibreOffice removal mooted

Also discussed at length during the UDS session on default applications was the potential case for removing LibreOffice from the default CD.

No formal decision on removing the suite was taken, with the developers noting that the purpose of the discussion was simply as it it was on their ‘list for examination’ rather than the talk being a sign of intent in dropping it ‘soon’.

Reasons put forward in favour of its replacement at some point in the coming cycles included the relative large size of the application both on the CD and delivered on so-called ‘Zero-day upgrades’; the inconsistent user interface and the perceived ’lack of use’ by many Ubuntu users.

The reasons on keeping the suite were more convincing. The strong selling point of Ubuntu shipping with a ’Microsoft-Office compatible Office app’ was noted, as was the likely popularity of the suite with “no-we’s” (i.e. non-developers.).

LibreOffice also, like Firefox and VLC, carries brand recognition across platform – a strong selling point in assuaging the concerns of casual, tempted new users.

One proposed ‘solution’ was to have a ‘LibreOffice’ installer placed on the desktop/Unity launcher for users wishing to add the suite to easily do so. Kubuntu has a similar approach with Firefox, not shipping it by default but shipping an installer for it.